A/N: Hello, fellow readers! I am back once again with a new chapter. I hope everyone stays safe from the craziness happening around the world, and what better way to distract yourself from it all is a good book to read, so sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights of Killer Instinct and Carrie. They belong to their respective owners.
Carrie wandered around the base, exploring the places. She hasn't heard from Jago since Sue informed her of the mission. As she strolled past the training room, quick battle cries grabbed her attention.
Carrie stepped inside the room. The area was nearly bare, with a large blue mat hugging the floor. Kim Wu was at the center of the placemat, conducting her training session. She didn't spot Carrie until she did at the corner of her eye. Abruptly, the nunchaku smacked her on the head. She yelped as she stopped, placing her hand on the impact spot.
"Kim! Are you okay?" Carrie jogged towards her.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Oh, that hurt!"
"I'm sorry if I distracted you."
"No, no, that's okay."
"What happened?" Yeo said, detaching himself from Kim. After a quick inspection, he tried his best to contain his laughter.
"Don't you dare…" Kim scolded.
The Dragon Spirit couldn't hold it and let one out. He gained some composure while wiping a fake tear from his eye with his tail. "My apologies. Each time this happens, I can't help it." He blew a gentle breeze towards the impact spot, and the pain vanished. "Oh, Carrie, what a surprise."
Carrie stepped back slightly, avoiding eye contact.
"You don't have to fear him," Kim said.
"It's okay. I expected this. Perhaps a change of appearance might ease the mood."
A bright light enveloped Yeo as he changed into a man of Korean descent. He wore silk robes, and his eyes obtained cat-like slits. Thin rings of smoke puffed from an ivory pipe he held.
"How did you do that?" Carrie moved closer, studying Yeo in this form.
Yeo chuckled. "I am an Astral Being. It wasn't difficult for me to blend in with the humans."
"Are there more Astral Beings out there?"
"Used to. I'm one of the last free ones; Gargos slew most of them and stole their powers."
"Like what Pemba said…"
"Pardon?"
"When Pemba recused Jago and me, she told us how Gargos wanted an Heir. His followers wanted me to bear that monster's child."
"Whoa, time out! How old are you?" Kim said.
"S-Sixteen," Carrie replied.
"Oh, man…" Kim glided her hand through her hair, her red bangs returning to her forehead. "Did you get a memo about this, of Gargos wanting a kid, Yeo?"
"No, but this is disturbing. Then, it's time to recruit new allies. Our first trip is to Japan to find Hisako. You must convince her to join us in our quest to defeat the Shadow Lord."
"Two questions: who is Hisako, and why would she help us?"
"I've been thinking the same," Carrie added.
"Hisako was once a human named Chiharu, who died while defending her home. The Ichoriens found her spirit and turned her into a gatekeeper. Since then, she longs to destroy the Shadow Lord and his army," Yeo explained. "You've seen her once, Kim, when you faced Shadow Jago, remember?"
Kim reached into the pocket of her coat-like cape, revealing a red cloth. "How can I forget? I still like her style. I should grab my portal key—"
"Don't bother. I have a better idea." Yeo brought out a whitish-blue orb from his pocket, now floating in his right hand. "This is a soul shard—a fragment of the Ichoriens. With it, we can transport to our destination."
"Cool! Also, can Care come with us?"
"What?!" Carrie and Yeo spoke together.
"It'll be the perfect opportunity to get to know her," Kim said. "Aren't you bored being in here, Care?"
"Well, I…" Carrie said.
"Can you excuse us for a minute?" Yeo said. Once Carrie nodded, he and Kim moved away until they were out of earshot. "Is bringing Carrie with us a good idea, Kim?"
"With all due respect, she's bored. It won't hurt if I let her out for a while…"
"Have you forgotten what happened when Carrie unleashed her power? Orchid and ARIA mentioned two severe events in which she lost control."
"Yes, and I'm aware of the danger, but I believe her powers could help us. One time. After that, she'll stay back for more training."
Yeo formed a thin line around his lips while rubbing his chin. "Okay. Carrie can assist us, but she must stay out of any intense fights."
"Yes! I mean-of course." Kim and Yeo returned to Carrie. "So, how about it, Care? Would you like to come with us?"
"I don't know. I'm still a rookie in defending myself, and I don't wish to be a burden."
"What? You're no burden. Plus, you won't be involved in significant fights, just to assist us. Think of it as a girl's outing, but with important errands."
"What if Jago finds out?"
"We'll cross that bridge when it comes."
Carrie glanced away, musing. "Well, I want to help. I can't sit here while the world suffers from that demon's wrath."
Kim beamed. "Is that a yes?" Carrie nodded. "All right, this is gonna be exciting! Just you, me, and my little dragon!"
Yeo smiled, though still concerned. I hope Kim doesn't regret the decision, as do I. "You two should hang on." He let the soul shard float higher as it gleamed brighter. It enveloped the small group until they vanished.
An eerie mist coated a small Japanese village. Cracked gravestones and tall trees surrounded the area. The buildings lay in ruin with a shrine decorated with candles and dolls. The ground was muddy and filled with puddles from a recent shower. Silence reigned until vagrant sparks flared, expanding into a ball of light. The colors collapsed in swirls, revealing Yeo, Carrie, and Kim.
"Whoa…" Kim said.
"What is this place?" Carrie asked.
"This is where Chiharu rests," Yeo said. "Her spirit rose again as a vengeful ghost that the locals call Hisako. For centuries, she guarded this village until Sadira disturbed her peace."
"Sadira? The same assassin that tried to kill me? Why would she come here?"
"Probably to mess things up," Kim said. "Still, I have some emo friends at home that would love it here."
"Not the best idea. A spiteful fury lingers in this place. Her presence is nearby! Get ready." Yeo changed back into his dragon form and slipped inside Kim.
"Stay close, Care," Kim instructed.
The telekinetic scanned her settings. A sudden chill crept behind her, tempting her to glance over her shoulder. Reciting the Lord's Prayer in silence, Carrie shifted towards the stairs. Thankfully, nothing was behind them. She rested her hand over her heart while she steadied her breathing.
Suddenly, a loud shriek startled the women as they leaped off from their spots. Hisako emerged, bearing her razor-sharp teeth. The Onryō stepped off the last stone stair, staring at the invaders.
*" Dare ga watashinokazoku no maisō-chi o jama suru koto o aete shimasu ka?!" she yelled.
Kim came to her feet while helping a trembling Carrie. "Hey, don't go Scream Face on me. I'm only looking for answers. Geez, you friggin' scared the life out of my friend here!"
*" Obiete imasu ka?"
"Yeo, can you help with the translation?"
"She's asking if you're frightened," the Dragon Spirit said.
"No," Kim said to Hisako. "Why would I be?"
*"Shadoujago to notatakai o mimashita. Anata wa shibarakunoaida otoroemashita, shikashi kekkyoku, anata no yūki wa anata o shōri ni michibikimashita. Watashitachi no mijikai deai kara demo, anata wa watashi o osoreru koto wa arimasendeshita. Anata ga dorehodo yūkan ni tatakatte iru no ka mitaidesu."
"It seems Hisako has been watching you since your fight with Shadow Jago. She has prepared this test of bravery for you," Yeo said.
"Well, let's show her." Kim shifted to her combat stance. "Carrie, stand to the side. This might get ugly."
"Wait, you're fighting a ghost?"
"What choice do I have? It might be our ticket to have her join our side."
"Okay, but be careful." Carrie trotted towards a few gravestones near the shrine and remained there.
The haunted village—now a battlefield—was quiet. Hisako and Kim stared at each other until she slipped into a portal.
"Where did she go?" Kim queried.
"Don't lower your guard," Yeo advised.
Kim looked around until she sensed a presence and dodged an incoming blade. She launched a double roundhouse kick charged with blue flames, landing the first hit. Kim continued her attacks, but Hisako knocked her away.
Hisako moved so fast that it was hard for Kim to keep up. She charged towards her opponent, ready to swing her weapon.
Kim flipped over the Onryō, striking back with her nunchucks.
As the fight progressed, the sky darkened, and lightning flashed, some striking the ground. Candles remained lit around the shrine and various memorial spots. Carrie remained in her place; she wanted to seek shelter from lightning bolts.
On the battlefield, the Onryō began her assault on Kim. She widened her mouth to draw her opponent close, but Kim struck with a flying kick.
"Oh, no. I have seen enough horror movies to know what you planned to do." Kim launched two thrusting kicks, which the Onryō blocked. However, she landed hits with her nunchucks until Hisako knocked her back.
Hisako leaped in the air, ready to slash her weapon.
Kim stomped the ground as the blue flames erupted, catching the Onryō. She launched herself for an upward flying kick.
Hisako countered and possessed Kim, popping several bones before leaving.
Oh, God, that did not feel good!
Kim kicked the Onryō, but Hisako parried and struck back. They exchanged moves until Kim landed a final flying kick to Hisako.
With the fight over, the darkness lifted from the village. The mist still lingered as if unaffected by the battle.
Kim panted as she backed away, the adrenaline flowing through her bloodstream. Minor cuts littered her body, leaving tears on her clothing. She was close to collapsing when something stopped her.
Carrie extended her arms, helping Kim regain her balance. "Is it over?"
"Yeah. Damn…for a ghost, Hisako is tough."
Hisako regained consciousness as she sat up, still leaning on her weapon. "Anata no yūki wa izen yori mo kyōryokudesu. Anata wa tesuto ni gōkaku shimashita."*
Yeo detached himself from Kim, still in his dragon form. "Your bravery has impressed Hisako, Kim. You passed her challenge."
"What can I say? I have a gift for acing tests."
*"Shikashinagara," Hisako further spoke, "Garugo ya yori ōku no dōmeikuni to taiji suru koto o keikaku shite iru baai wa, yori ōku no yūki ga hitsuyō ni narimasu. Watashi no tesuto ni gōkaku suru tame ni, watashi wa anata ni kuwawarimasu."*
"For passing her test, Hisako will join us on the fight," Yeo said.
"Great, as long as she doesn't scare Carrie again."
Hisako grinned and scuttled toward Kim. She rose to her feet and leaned on her weapon, swaying back and forth. *" Watashitachi wa subarashī chīmu ni narimasu." Before she vanished, Hisako spotted Carrie, who slightly hid behind Kim. "Kyarī, anata wa watashi ga saigo ni anata ni atta toki yori mo zutto kenkōdesu. Jeigo wa anata o yoku atsukaimashita."*
Yeo floated towards Hisako. "What do you mean? Do you know Carrie?"
*"Kojin-teki nide wa arimasenga, sore ga okotta toki watashi wa soko ni imashita. Kanojo ga son'nani kowarete iru no o miru tame ni, hon'nō wa watashi ni kanojo no kurushimi o owara seru yō ni iimashita, shikashi watashi wa dekimasendeshita. Kanojo wa motto fusawashī. Kore ni tsuite wa atode kuwashiku setsumei shimasu. Watashitachiha tasuku o sagasanakereba narimasen."
Once Hisako vanished, the village was quiet again. Yeo never expected Hisako to be aware of Black Prom and Carrie. Still, she was a ghost, so she was free to roam wherever she pleased.
"Yeo, is everything okay?" Carrie asked.
"Um, yes. Hisako mentioned we should seek the Watchman of the Gods. His help is needed in the upcoming fight."
"I'm so glad to finally leave this place."
"You and me both," Kim said. "That fight will haunt me for the rest of my life.
A/N: Hisako has now joined with Kim, Carrie, and Yeo. Now the next person they seek out is Tusk, but will he be as convincing as our favorite Onryō? Also, Kim better hope Jago doesn't raise hell for bringing Carrie along for the ride. Anyway, time for my brain to rest, so I'll see you later.
Translations from Japanese:
*(Who dares to disturb my family's burial grounds?!)
*(Are you frightened?)
*(I watched your fight with Shadow Jago. You waned for a while, but eventually, your courage brought you to victory. Even from our brief encounter, you never feared me. I want to see how brave you are in battle.)
*(Your courage is more potent than before. You passed the test.)
*(However, you'll need more courage if you plan to face Gargos and more allies. For passing my test, I will join you.)
*(We'll be a great team. You're much healthier than you were the last time I saw you, Carrie. Jago treated you well.)
*(Not personally, but I was there when it happened. To see her so…broken, instinct told me to end her suffering, but I couldn't. She deserves better. We'll talk more about it later. We must seek Tusk.)
